Fitness has always been a concern with regard to both mental and physical health regardless of age, gender, or any other variables that make each one of us unique. And for those in the blind community, fitness is every bit as much—if not more—important.

Exercise for the visually impaired is something that should be incorporated into a weekly, if not daily, routine for a variety of reasons that are both similar and different from people within the sighted community. For those with total loss of sight as well as for those who are low sighted, a lack of regular exercise can bring on a host of other issues, including weight gain, sluggishness, and perhaps worst of all for many, insomnia or a circadian rhythm that has been thrown completely off track.

A quality workout done at the right time of day and at the right pace to meet your unique physical and mental needs is just what the doctor may have forgotten to order. For many blind people, fitness has been a challenge: without someone to guide you and without the ability to drive yourself to the gym, it becomes obvious why so many visually impaired individuals give up—but with the BlindAlive line of Fitness Workouts for blind people, you’ll never have to depend on anyone else again.

Yoga and Strength Training with wieghts for blind people along with a variety of other cardiovascular exercises help our bodies stay toned, help us gain muscle mass and lose weight, but most of all, can help lead a blind person away from a sense of helplessness.

Are you ready to sweat? Come get healthy and leave all your notions of not being able to get fit due to your visual impairment behind with BlindAlive!

Blind People Can Exercise!

According to officials at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): “Half of the 21 million Americans who have a disability don't exercise, and that lack of exercise is jeopardizing their health… Among these 11 million inactive adults are people who … have problems seeing… Many of these disabled adults are able to exercise, but don't do so regularly or at all.” ( HealthDay Reporter on TUESDAY, May 6, 2014.)

I don’t know about you but I don’t want to be included in the 11 million disabled people who live a sedentary lifestyle. It is challenging enough being part of the 21 million who are considered “disabled”. Blindness is no joke that is for sure and there are countless tasks I encounter every single day that I wish were easier but I CAN EXERCISE!

Now for the big confession, I do not like going on long hikes with rough terrain, swimming laps in a pool with lots of other people, nor do I like going to a gym with machines and loud noises. Are you getting the picture? Many of the kinds of fitness programs that are enjoyed by sighted people make me anxious: I’d rather not do them. Fortunately, I don’t have to cause myself more stress. I CAN EXERCISE at home with my own stuff in my own space.

Blindness and low vision really have very little if anything to do with whether or not you feel good in your body. Bodies require movement to stay moving. It is up to us to take charge of our bodies and MOVE IT! So, let’s start a movement to get blind people moving!

And starting small is just fine. And the more you move the more confidence you will build: I promise! It is time to inspire and encourage each other to do what we can do even if we need to start by just wiggling our toes.

That is why I created BlindAlive: a completely described, eyes-free exercise program for everybody who wants to be part of a different club: the healthier, stronger club.